Soil Science and Engineering (4 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing this course student:
- knows soil properties, soil formation processes, structure, function and biology of soils and their significance as a raw material reserve
- can take and manage soil samples for further analysis
- knows the basic pre-treatment and physico-chemical analysis methods of soils and can use them in practise
- knows the phenomenon of water flow in soils, groundwater formation and the practical applications related
- knows the basics of geotechnology, soil management and soil pollution

Content (course unit)

Basic geology and soil science, biological and pysical processes in soils, environmental impacts of soil utilization, hydrology, movement of water, air and gases in soils, soils as construction material, basics of geoengineering

Exam schedules

Exam will be arranged on week 49 or 50 according to the schedule.

Evaluation methods and criteria

The evaluation of the course is based on continuous evaluation: Learning outcomes that are based on the knowledge and skills achieved with the course assignments, exercises, reports based on them and exam. Grading (1-5) is based on weighed average from the grades of different assignments, which all needs to be done. The emphasis is as follows:
• Soil (clay, silt, sand...), how identified and how water flows in them 10 % (grade given according to 2 different tasks)
• Soil Organisms report 30 % (grade given according to separate criteria)
• Soil Properties report 30 % (grade given according to separate criteria)
• Exam (50 % passing limit) – 30 %

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Contact lessons, pre-tasks, tasks, discussions, literature reviews, laboratory exercises, exam etc.

Learning materials

Jhonson, C. 2009. Biology in Soil Science. Global Media. Can be found from Ebrary -e-book database.
Lavelle, P., Spain, Alister V. 2001. Soil Ecology. Can be found from Ebrary -e-book database.
Reddy, R.N. 2010. Soil Engineering. Design, testing and remediation. Global Media.
Can be found from Ebrary -e-book database.
Terzaghi, Karl; Peck, Ralph B.; Mesri, Gholamreza. 1996. Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice (3rd Ed)1996 John Wiley & Sons.
Can be found from Knovel E-book database
Handouts and e-material given during the course.

Student workload

Time use and work forms
Contact lessons, field and laboratory experiments, demonstrations, exercises, calculations
Contact lessons and laboratory exercises 45 h
Self-study (reports, exercises, exam) 65 hours
total 110 hours

Content scheduling

The course is integrated with Writing Scientific Reports in English (5E00BF83) and Basic Chemistry. Common reports and exercises are done during these three courses.
Schedule: TBA

Further information

Course aims
After completing this course student:
- knows how to identify soil and know the basics of soil properties, soil formation processes, structure, function and biology of soils and their significance as a raw material reserve
- can take and manage soil samples for further analysis
- knows the basic pre-treatment and physico-chemical analysis methods of soils and can use them in practise
- knows the phenomenon of water flow in soils, groundwater formation and the practical applications related
- understands the terms of geotechnology, soil management and pollution
Course content
Basic geology and soil science, biological and pysico-chemical processes in soils, environmental impacts of soil utilization, hydrology, movement of water, air and gases in soils, basics of geotechnical engineering, soil management and pollution

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

A student has completed all parts of the course but achieved competence is sufficient, but narrow. Knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and phenomena of the soil formation, processes and interactions in soils. Basic skills in soil sampling, soil biota and soil quality analyses and ability to do the analyses in practise when instructed and supervised. Basic theoretical knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering, soil pollution and soil management.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

A student has completed all parts of the course and achieved competence is structured and applied. Fluent knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and phenomena of the soil formation, processes and interactions in soils. Sufficient skills and ability in independent soil sampling, soil biota and soil quality analyses. Fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering, soil pollution and soil management. Motivation and interest towards the subject expressed clearly.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

A student has completed all parts of the course and achieved competence is wide, creative and developing. Fluent knowledge and understanding of the core concepts and phenomena of the soil formation, processes and interactions in soils. In addition ability to apply the knowledge in new situations. Sufficient skills and understanding in independent soil biota and soil quality analyses and making suggestions for developing and/or improving these methods. Fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in geotechnical engineering, soil pollution and soil management and motivation and positive attitude to develop oneself in these fields.